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BM in Composition

The composition major at Chapman University places an emphasis on creativity and the study of modern approaches and techniques of music making within an academic model. Under the guidance of Chapman’s internationally renowned composition faculty, who teach all composition courses, students compose in a wide variety of performance media, are guided through previously unexplored avenues of aesthetic and technical awareness, and work toward developing individual stylistic points of view. This instruction is enhanced by workshops and lectures by guest composers, including George Crumb, Chinary Ung, Terry Riley, Ben Johnston, John Adams, and many others.

Students may declare an intention to major in composition at entrance and begin studying composition from week one. Formal admission to the Bachelor of Music in Composition degree program will be granted prior to the junior year, after competence levels in theoretical work, compositional skills, and demonstrated potential have been evaluated. At that time the composition faculty will determine the appropriateness of the degree objective. Students accepted into the program must demonstrate an acceptable level of proficiency on a major instrument or voice. A senior recital must be completed with approval of, and while enrolled for study with, the student’s major professor of composition.

Composition majors participate in the preparation and performance of new student works through the New Music Ensemble, Percussion Ensemble, Ensemble-in-Residence Program (including the Da Capo Chamber Players, Penderecki String Quartet, Firebird Ensemble, Moscow Contemporary Music Ensemble, etc.), and works written for the many other ensembles on campus. All works written by students are read and/or performed, and recorded. Through this active participation, students begin to develop an intuitive understanding of musical performance and a sense of professionalism when rehearsing and presenting their work.

Graduates of the program have had their works performed professionally throughout the United States and abroad, continued their studies in composition at top institutions at the graduate level, and received fellowships, commissions and awards for their compositions.

Student Achievements

Artists In Residence

Guests

Michael Fleming '16 attended Composing in the Wilderness in Denali National Park, Alaska, and had his work performed at the Fairbanks Summer Arts Festival.

Colin Horrocks '14 and Adam Borecki '12 are both prior Assistant Directors of the Tuesdays at Monk Space concert series in Los Angeles.

Nathan Campbell '12 won the Highsmith Award, the San Francisco Conservatory's prize in orchestral composition. The San Francisco Conservatory Orchestra premiered his work Lunar Prelude at its opening concert fall of 2014.

Adam Borecki '12 worked as a recording engineer at the 2014 Aspen Music Festival.

Marco Fusi

Nicholas Isherwood

Vicki Ray

Christophe Desjardins

Liam Viney

Joseph Wytko

Stacey Fraser

Mark Robson

Anna Grinberg

Mark Menzies

Phillip Greenlief

Susan Ung

Marty Walker

Scot Ray & Bill Barrett

Art Jarvinen & Louis Keller (Baghdad Batteries)

Joseph Wytko

Dzovig Markonian

Guest Ensembles

Da Capo Chamber Players

Penderecki String Quartet

Firebird Ensemble

California Ear Unit

Brightwork New Music

Del Sol String Quartet

Ensemble Green

Moscow Contemporary Music Ensemble

Duo Solo

Microfest

Inauthentica

Duo Solo

Ray/Kallay Duo

Guest Composers

George Crumb

Ben Johnston

Terry Riley

Chinary Ung

John Adams

Ken Ueno

Philippe Manoury

Paul Chihara

Yann Orlarey

Art Jarvinen

Lei Liang

Koji Nakano

Harold Oliver

Ron George

Liviu Marinescu

David Means

Mark Robson

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Program Learning Outcomes

PLO1: MusicianshipThe student will demonstrate fluent musicianship skills, including an understanding of music theory, proficiency with aural skills and sight reading, proficiency as a soloist on his or her main instrument, knowledge of different musical styles and historical eras, a demonstration of basic piano skills, and the ability to rehearse and perform collaboratively and contribute to an ensemble.

PLO2: Composition and PerformanceThe student will generate a portfolio of original compositions for various ensembles/media and present them publicly.

PLO3: Professional WorkThe student will experience the professional work of a composer by communicating musical ideas and concepts to professionals and audiences in rehearsal, performance, oral communication, and writing; by learning business skills; and by observing the professional work of others.

PLO4: Composition SkillsThe student will demonstrate skills related to the practice of composition including pedagogical techniques and skills in composition, basic improvisation techniques, and effective work with music engraving, synthesis and recording software.